A Grim Fate Awaits Newborns in Sudan

moatinoon
James Elder, spokesperson for the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF), warned of a grim fate awaiting newborns from now until the end of the year.

Speaking at a press conference today in Geneva, he stated that the expected healthcare services for over 300,000 children born between October and December face a severe shortage of medical supplies due to the blockade in conflict areas or displacement.

He added that 55,000 children require monthly treatment for the most severe forms of malnutrition, expressing concern about the expected unprecedented deaths among children due to the widespread destruction of life-saving services they rely on.

He also pointed out reports revealing the recruitment of children into armed groups.

Last week, the International Committee of the Red Cross facilitated the transfer of dozens of children to care centers outside the combat zones. The Sudanese army had stated in a statement that it had captured them while fighting with the Rapid Support Forces.

In a related context, UNICEF expressed its concern about the non-opening of schools in Sudan, noting that Sudan is facing one of the largest education crises in the world, with over 7 million children out of school and 12 million children awaiting the reopening of schools.